Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-01-28

tinuing her walk for "A few squares. Mrs.
Avery remembered that she needed
needles. thread and pins. She entered
large dry goods store, and, after pur-
chasing the articles mentioned, was
about to leave. when the clerk request
ed her to remain for few moments.
knowing your fondness for fine
handkerchiefs. Mrs. Avery. l have ia
ken the liberty to keep this one for
YOU" said the clerk, politely. II hard
ly think you can resist buying it, it is
the last one of this style, and we will
let it 60 cheap"
II is beautiful" exclaimed Mrs.
Avery. raising the dainty piece of lace
and gazing at it admiringly. what is
the prcep" she asked.
Two dollars and q half-much less
than it cost" replied the clerk.
For a moment the little woman hest
tated. The handkerchief was decided
bargain and besides
You do not need it." whispered
voice.
81 will not take the handkerchief,
said Mrs. Avery, and picking up her
parcels she left the store. LESS than
one week ago would have bought it."
she murmured, as she dropped two sill
yer dollars. and fifty-cent piece into
the red bag.
Three dollars and thirty-five cents
saved in one afternoon! / never would
have believed it," said our little finan-
cier, as she turned toward home.
do tell me. Jack. what has happen
ed to make you so jubilant? One
would suppose that you had inherited
fortune"
Jack Avery smiled mysteriously, then
drew from his coat-pocket large sheet
of paper neatly folded
"A birthday present for you. Bess,
he said. handing the document TO his
wife.
"A receiptcd bill of some sort" said
Bess, as she unfolded it. The next mo-
ment an exclamat on of amazement fell
from her lips, and IN another instant
her arms were around Jacks neck.
30 Jack! can scarcely realize that
we own the pretty cottage that | have
coveted ever since 1t was begun. How
could you save enough to build it2'
asked Bess, with tears of JOY sparkling
IN her blue eyes.
Il haven't smoked cigar or par
taken of a big restaurant dinner for
two years. I've saved money in many
other ways, and see the result!'' said
Jack, exultantly.
1--WE will furnish the house gradual
ly, for, continued ia ck, looking very
serious, there is q mortgage on the
property of two hundred dollars. and /
will not feel easy until it is paid of.
have made up nv mind not to contract
debts of any kind. Our motto shall be,
PAY as you GO
"You are quite right, Jack. it must
be dreadful 10 have debts hanging over
one. But | have a surprise in store for
you. You never can guess what it is,
so will keep you in suspense.
Bess opened drawer and lifted
therefrom a tin box. She handed it to
Jack, who, greatly puzzled, opened it
Three hundred and fifty dollars!' he
exclaimed. in amazemcnt. His voice
trembled when he spoke again.
You are brave little woman. but
fear that you have deprived yourself
of many things that you ought to have
had"
You are mistaken Jack" cried
Bess, merrily. From the worry mo-
ment | knew that you were making
great sacrifices. / resolved to help you. "
THE object had in view. dear, was
worth struggling for, and l can say
with truth, ~ placing his hand on the
precious deed, This is the house that
Jack built. Your contribution will
make it easy to dispeIl the shadow that
rests upon it, and also enable US TO rem
der our home so pleasant and coy that
it will in reality be the dearest spot on
earth TO us-M A. ThurSton tn ar
thurs Home Magazine.